Simple RV Air Conditioner Tips For The Cool Camper

Unless you prefer camping in arctic climates, the rv air conditioner is perhaps the most important of appliances to ensure you and your family remain comfortable in the great outdoors.  Most RVs come with a rooftop air conditioning unit installed and for those that do not, one can easily be added. RV owners who need to add or replace an air conditioner have several great brands from which to choose including Advent Air and Coleman. Once it is installed, the RV air conditioner requires minor upkeep to ensure it operates as expected and doesn't lose its cool.

Air Filters and Air Quality: In addition to its well-known cooling capacity, the air conditioning unit can also filter air to remove dust, allergens, and other particles to improve air quality in the RV.  Whether it's air quality or air temperature that is of the utmost importance to you and your family, keeping the filter(s) clean is one of the simplest things you can do to improve your AC unit's performance and make it last through countless summer nights.  Dirty air filters can become clogged and reduce airflow as well as the overall efficient operation of the unit.  To prevent problems such as this, you should follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintaining the unit's filters.

Visual Inspection: The plastic cover of the roof-mounted part of the air conditioning unit is called the "shroud".  Check the shroud for cracks or breaks in the cover.  Driving with a weakened shroud that could fly off at any moment poses an obvious danger.  Replacement shrouds are relatively inexpensive and can easily be changed out.

While looking at the shroud, you should also note any debris that has collected on or near the AC unit.  Leaves, twigs, and other debris should be removed to prevent blockage.

Another item that you can easily inspect simply by looking at it is the plug and cord.  Look for a change in color, areas that are swollen, stripped, or dented in. Any of these could indicate that your air conditioner isn't getting the voltage it needs to properly operate.

Annual Cleaning and Maintenance: Most manufacturers recommend you clean the condenser coil at least once a year.  This task requires climbing up onto the roof and removing the shroud to access the interior of the air conditioning unit.  There are many on-line sources available that provide do-it-yourself instructions or you can take your RV to your local maintenance and repair shop.

Treat your RV air conditioner to a little TLC and it will return the favor to you and your family.  When it comes time to replace it, be sure to contact us for helpful advice and quality products.